I agree with everyting above, with the exception of the comment about staples. They are much maligned and misunderstood and several friends of mine who reupholster swear by them. In our marine climate stainless staples outlast even the best quality tacks and there is no rusting. The holes they create are smaller and the load is spread more evenly. A properly adjusted staple gun and the proper size staple can be set much more efficiently with no damage to the frame. I've had 5 pieces reupholstered over the years, the youngest in the 50-60 yr. old range (in original upholstery!). All were completely "ripped down", the frames checked for "racking" and the "wobbles" and tightened. All the webbing was removed and replaced, the springs reused and re-tied. Any horsehair (on the really old pieces) was cleaned and reused, fluffed up and secured with bridle ties. All the foam in the cushions of the newer pieces was replaced (I sampled the density of the foam before deciding which one to use), and wrapped in batting with a non-woven cover. Every piece came home looking wonderful and I've never regretted having them redone. Reupholstery is labor instensive. You are paying someone who lives locally to take the time to fuss over your furniture. They have worked hard to amass and perfect their skills, they have overhead, and they pay taxes, too. Personally? I would rather pay a tradesman/craftsman in my own country to breathe new life into something I find pleasing and works in my home. I agree than many of new particle board pieces are not worth the time required, but any good upholsterer will tell you that at the time the estimate is given.

I'm gobsmacked. Such complicated things for your first big job - I would never have made it. Terrific job. Your room looks so serene now. Good work, you! And to both you and Laurie, I am green with envy - my Featherweight was stolen in a burglary many years ago while we were out of the house after a fire, and I have never had a machine as sturdy and reliable as that little gem. I made both my prom dresses, numerous summer party dresses, and oodles of Villager skirt and McMullen shirtwaist knock-offs on that machine. Ah, youth ...

My wife loves the idea of of curling up in the corner seat and reading, so we are going for the sectional. Our TV is opposite from the long wall, so we need more seating opposite of that - hence the longer side. I think it will be comfortable with a couple of ottomans even several could watch a movie comfortably... two people on the right arm and ottoman and two people closer to the corner with an ottoman.

The styles do clash ... and it would drive me nuts but I don't think it's terrible. You might be able to mitigate with a much larger rug (make sure the front feet of both sofas sit on the rug). Add a large piece of art over the "modern" sofa to highlight that area. Change out the sheers - use either drapes or blinds. If you have the $$s, I'd switch out the more 'country' sofa for a couple of swivel chairs. The style really depends on how much space you have and how you use the area. Either way you need a much larger rug.